Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-05-25

mm6UlaG0ly 0leCteu ulLA 0c'OA
yinia, and on the 2nd of January, 1870, ne
look charge of that high office. before
that time Governor Smith was known an
over the State by his firm, undertaking at
tachment to the Democratic party, and 6y
his powerful speeches in its behalf. He
was perhaps the 'sbest stump speaker IN
/" and that is high praise, when we
consider who were some of the men who
we're often-times his antagonists in debate.
Between the years 1910 and 1850, there
were political giants in the land. In his
own county of Culpeper, there lived three
men who we're the peers of the best in their
elouuence and influence over the masses.
John s. Barbour, man Of the noblest
presence, and possessing all the power of
an orator; John s. Pendleton, "the Lone
Star of the Virginia Wings in Congress,
whose strong sonorous voice, uttering
smooth and eloquent sentences, would al
WAYS deeply interest and affect the people;
and Edmund Broadus, whose logical mind
and earnest manner of speech, from whom
always emanated close, compact sentences
of power and truth, for many years largely
controlled the legislation OF the state, and
others in other parts of the State, who, in
comparison with most Of the leading men
in Virginia politics to-day, were as Hype-
rion to Satyr.
At the forum and on the Hastings, Will
liam Smith met such men as these, and
held his own with them. Indeed, in very
large degree, it was owing to his indomitable
energy and earnest, persistent, eloquent ad-
vocacy of the Democratic party that it was
SO constantly victorious in Virginia poll
tics. Of course he was terror to the
Wings, and John Hampton Pleasants gave
him the title of extra Billy" which has
stuck to him like the shirt of Nessus, and
which, although it may have been given
him originally by way of belittlement, has
ever since been used by his friends and foes
alike as an epithet of endearment and COM
pliment. The name originated thus: Many
years ago Governor Smith was contractor
with the United States Government to carry
the mail from Washington city to Millege-
vile, in Georgia, by stage coaches, and it
seems he took the contract at too small
consideration: at any rate it did not pay
him, for the records of Congress will show
that often-times during his term, he ap-
piled for extra compensation, and he had
the talents and influence to constrain Con-
gress to grant it. His stages ran through
the little village where the writer was
raised, and when he was a little boy, it was
the delight of him and his play-felloWs Of
ten to 90 mile or two to meet the stage
and ride back in the boot of it. Often has
he done 80 when the future Governor Ofthe
State was the driver, who would always
kindly stop and take us in. He was a kind
hearted, affable, amiable man, as he was
diligent and successful in the discharge OF
all his public duties in the high offices
which he afterwards filed. The people OF
Richmond ought especially to be grateful
to him, for every day their eyes behold evil
dences of his efforts to beautify the city.
To him is due, more perhaps than to any
other governor, save one, the present beau
tiful appearance OF our lovely Capital
Square. He>had the trees planted, the
walks laid off, the hills cut down, and the
landscape grading generally done, which,
under tie regime of Governor Wise, was
continued and improved until the square
has received its present ornate beautiful ap.
pearance.
In 1850 Governor Smith, in order to re.
cuperate his shattered fortune, removed to
San Francisco to practice law. He re-
manned thore several years, and was very
successtnl in acquiring sufficient amount
of monty to pay bis debts. He was also
very prominent in that State as a POLITICIAN,
and was candidate for the United States
Senatorship, but was defeated in the Leg
islatur.. ny only one vote. He then return.
ed to Virginia and ran for Congress from
the B,ghth district, and was elected, as
have already stated, Being true Demo
GRAFT thr,ug hout his whole career, lie was 8
Secessiouist, and acted with that party il
bringing about the separation of Virgins
from the Union.
When tie war began he at once entered
the arm IS Colonel of regiment, and was
in almost the arst battle. At Fairfax
Courthouse story is told upon him which
illustrates his courage and bravery. He
knew nothing Of military tactics and had
had no experience in military affairs; sc
when tks enemy appeared in battle array
and ready for the onslaught, he had not al
his ca;nsi.a I'D the proper words of command
to be given in order that his regiment
should b. put in the proper line of attack,
and therefore discarding all military rules,
be put himself at the head of his regiment
and gave The unusual but effective order
s'Boys, follow me, and let's sick 'em," an6
away they ran towards the enemy.
Gov. Smith reached the rank of major
geliera,-5;r Lhs Confederate army, but in
1862, Governor, Letcher.s' term of Office
having expired, he was elected to succeed
him, and thus became the war Governor,
and remained in Office until his terra alb.
ruptly terminated by the downfall of the
Confederacy. Since that time the Govern.
OF has served one term in the Legislature,
but for tie balance Of the time until his
death he mas remained at his home in re.
tiracz Il The enjoyment of good health.
Goy6Iaoi Sualtil vas eli his life a temper
ate man which cannot be said Of al. Of ouI
public men. Upon one occasion Colonel
Tom August attended leOee at the Gov
erno-'s NJ snsion, and being asked by a
friend the laexs Gay how he enjoyed himself,
replied: ''Eirstrate, all we oiG vas to prom
enade and lemonade.a
Governor Smith was universally beloved
By the democratic party, as he was as I'm.
iversalIy hated by the Wing party, for the
harm his talents, energy, luI powerful
stsmp-speeches did them, but they always
admired Mis- cor bis bravery, courtesy, gal
lantry, and extraordinary talent for public
speaking. Indeed, his whole career Illus,
trates in it's effects of acquiring for him the
love Of his friends. the admiration of his
enemies, ard the esteem. apd appreciation
of all what character Of uprightness,
courtesy, gallantry, courage, and popular
talents can effect. He was the great COM
moner of his day. The people loved him
as one of themselves, aud his eloquence
aould control them like the wind controls
the; mos.,}r &C the leaves. He has gone
from lis to 'sthe undiscovered country from
whose bourne no traveller 'retufns,P' and
whatever Of hatred and luminosity may have
existed III the hearts of any man will be
buried In his grave. The State of Virginia
will mourn for him as for one of her great
est men. He discharged his public aud pr.
vate duties well, and may we not hope that
now, since 'tlfe's fitful fever is DER, he
rests peac fully over the river, under the
shade of tho Tree of Life?"
R, D. W.
-----S--Y---------
AN ARTISTS VIsIT.-One Of the mos,
recent visit ,rs to our State is Miss Bertha
won Eil10u,, iaI " xuha ic xr,;IaIxr auI e.,